While Barr's attempt to switch the emergency contraceptive Plan B to over-the-counter status is immaterial to the company, the rest of the drug industry can't afford to ignore the controversy, which could jeopardize the renewal of crucial legislation that supports fast and predictable reviews of all new drugs. Moreover, FDA may be reopening old controversies, like whether third parties can force an OTC switch against a brand company's wishes.

The intensely negative advisory committee for Biogen’s proposed Alzheimer’s therapy was a shocker. Would it have happened if US FDA had been able to convene an in-person event instead of a ‘virtual’ one?

With landmark advisory committee meetings coming up, we take a look back at some of the memorable panel meetings over the last 20 years.